Amazon Web Services (AWS) has made a significant move by launching GameLift Streams, a groundbreaking service designed to allow video game publishers to stream their games across a multitude of devices. According to a recent blog post, this new service enables seamless game streaming via browsers that support the WebRTC standard. This advancement covers a broad spectrum of devices, including smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, and personal computers, enhancing accessibility for users.
Key Benefits of GameLift Streams
GameLift Streams offers various advantages for game developers, particularly in terms of distribution and testing. The service simplifies the process of sharing in-development titles with testers, allowing publishers to grant and revoke access efficiently. This functionality is particularly appealing to top-tier developers, as highlighted by Chris Lee, the general manager of immersive technologies at AWS, who indicated that numerous AAA game companies are already leveraging this service.
Early Adoption by Jackbox Games
Notably, Jackbox Games is one of the first developers to adopt GameLift Streams. The company, known for popular casual games such as “Quiplash” and “Fibbage,” is working on a streaming service that will open its game library to a broader audience. Currently, players access these titles through one-time purchases, but Jackbox plans to introduce an ad-supported model early this year, eventually rolling out a subscription option.
Evan Jacover, the technology chief at Jackbox, stated that while they initially considered developing their own streaming technology, they opted for AWS after learning about the capabilities of GameLift Streams. “It’s not a core competency at Jackbox Games,” he explained, emphasizing the efficiency gained from utilizing AWS’s established infrastructure.
Stream Quality and Pricing Structure
Amazon’s GameLift Streams supports impressive resolutions of up to 1080p at 60 frames per second, positioning itself competitively against traditional consoles like Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro, which deliver even higher graphics quality. The pricing for GameLift Streams is contingent upon the specific Nvidia graphics processing units selected by customers, along with the storage usage for game data. A significant advantage of the service is that it requires no alterations to existing game code, allowing for a smooth integration experience.
As cloud-based gaming continues to evolve, GameLift Streams could solidify AWS’s position as a leading player in the industry, providing game developers with the necessary tools to reach wider audiences and enhance player experiences.
